Collapsible wheelbarrow and associated method

ABSTRACT

An improved wheelbarrow includes a pair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and are collapsible. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray, and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by the manufacturer. The wheelbarrow can then be assembled by the retailer or the consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles to the frame assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to wheelbarrows and, moreparticularly, to a wheelbarrow having collapsible legs and also to awheelbarrow that can be assembled relatively quickly.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Wheelbarrows of numerous different configurations are known inthe relevant art. Wheelbarrows can be generally stated as including atray that can receive and carry a quantity of material therein, a wheelthat supports the tray and permits the tray to be moved with respect toa surface such as the grade, and at least a first handle that permits auser to apply forces to drive the tray and the wheel to desiredlocations. Wheelbarrows typically also include one or more legs that canengage the surface on which the wheelbarrow is disposed to help supportthe tray and to retain the wheelbarrow in a given position on thesurface.

[0005] A wheelbarrow with a wheel and one or more legs typicallyoccupies a large region of space because the wheel and legs typicallyprotrude downwardly from the tray at opposite ends of the tray. Suchwheelbarrows thus require a large space for storage, and it is knownthat storage space within sheds, garages, and the like is limited. It isthus desired to provide a wheelbarrow that can be readily collapsed insome fashion, that is structurally sound, and that is substantially asfunctional as a conventional non-collapsible wheelbarrow.

[0006] While wheelbarrows are often configured out of relatively simplecomponents, wheelbarrows typically take a substantial amount of time toassemble when new due to the large number of components. It is alsopreferred to provide an improved method of assembling a wheelbarrow thattakes relatively less time than the assembly of previously knownwheelbarrows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An improved wheelbarrow in accordance with the present inventionmeets these needs and other needs. The improved wheelbarrow includes apair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and arecollapsible. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray,and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by themanufacturer. The wheelbarrow can then be assembled by the retailer orthe consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles tothe frame assembly.

[0008] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide animproved wheelbarrow that is at least partially collapsible.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improvedwheelbarrow that can be quickly assembled.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improvedwheelbarrow that occupies relatively less space during storage thanother known wheelbarrows.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improvedwheelbarrow that has collapsible legs yet is able to carry and supportheavy loads.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improvedwheelbarrow having collapsible legs that can be quickly and easilycollapsed by a user.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improvedwheelbarrow having collapsible legs that can be locked in either theextended position or the retracted position.

[0014] These and other aspects of the present invention are achieved byproviding an improved a wheelbarrow that can be disposed on a surface,in which the general nature of the wheelbarrow can be stated asincluding a frame, at least a first wheel mounted on the frame, and asupport, the support including at least a first leg mounted on theframe, the at least first leg including a first member, a second member,and a third member, the first and third members each being pivotablymounted on the frame, the second member being pivotably connected withand pivotable with respect to each of the first and third members, theat least first leg being movable between an extended position and aretracted position.

[0015] The first, second, and third members may be orientedsubstantially parallel with or be disposed generally flush with aportion of the frame when the at least first leg is in the retractedposition. The at least first leg may also include a lock that releasablyretains the at least first leg in at least one of the extended andretracted positions. The lock may extend between the second member andone of the first and second members.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide awheelbarrow that can be disposed on a surface, in which the generalnature of the wheelbarrow can be stated as including a frame, at least afirst wheel mounted on the frame, and at least a first leg mounted onthe frame, the at least first leg being movable between an extendedposition and a retracted position, and the at least first legcooperating with the frame to function as a four-bar linkage.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide acollapsible support for a device, the support being structured to retainthe device in a given position with respect to a surface, in which thegeneral nature of the support can be stated as including a first member,a second member, a third member, and a lock extending between the secondmember and one of the first and third members, the support being movablebetween an extended position and a retracted position, the lockreleasably retaining the support in at least one of the extendedposition and the retracted position, the second member being pivotablyconnected with and pivotable with respect to the first and thirdmembers, the second member being engageable with the surface to retainthe device in the given position with respect to the surface when thesupport is in the extended position, the first and third members eachbeing structured to be mounted on the device.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a devicestructured to be disposed against a surface, in which the general natureof the device can be stated as including a frame, a support mounted onthe frame, the support including a first member, a second member, and athird member, the first and third members each being pivotably mountedon the frame, the second member being pivotably connected with andpivotable with respect to each of the first and third members, thesupport being movable between an extended position and a retractedposition, the second member being engageable with the surface to retainthe device in the given position with respect to the surface when thesupport is in the extended position.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a kit fromwhich a wheelbarrow can be assembled, in which the general nature of thekit can be stated as including a frame subassembly, the framesubassembly including a frame, an axle apparatus, at least a first leg,and at least a first tray brace connected together as an assembled unit,the at least first tray brace being pivotable with respect to the frame,a wheel mountable to the frame subassembly, a tray mountable to theframe subassembly, and at least a first handle mountable to the framesubassembly.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method ofassembling a wheelbarrow from a kit, in which the general nature of themethod can be stated as including mounting a tray to a framesubassembly, mounting a wheel to the frame subassembly, and mounting ahandle to the frame subassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A further understanding of the invention can be gained from thefollowing description of the preferred embodiments when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an improved wheelbarrow inaccordance with the present invention and depicting a pair of legs ofthe wheelbarrow being in an extended position;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the wheelbarrow disposed on asurface;

[0024]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wheelbarrow with thelegs in a retracted position;

[0025]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a portion of the wheelbarrow anddepicting the pair of legs in the retracted position;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of thewheelbarrow;

[0027]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of one of the legs of the wheelbarrowdepicted in the extended position;

[0028]FIG. 6 a view similar to FIG. 5, except depicting the leg in theretracted position;

[0029]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the leg;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the underside of oneof the legs of the wheelbarrow in the extended position and depicting alock of the leg being in an engaged position;

[0031]FIG. 8A is another perspective view of a portion of the undersideof one of the legs;

[0032]FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, except depicting the lock in adisengaged position;

[0033]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the leg in the retracted positionand the lock in the engaged position;

[0034]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of the wheelbarrow; and

[0035]FIG. 12 is an operational view depicting initial assembly of thewheelbarrow.

[0036] Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout thespecification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] An improved wheelbarrow 4 in accordance with the presentinvention is indicated generally in FIGS. 1-3. The wheelbarrow 4 isadvantageously configured to be collapsible, as is indicated generallyin FIG. 3A, in order to occupy less space than when the wheelbarrow 4 isin a non-collapsed position, as is indicated generally in FIG. 1. Thewheelbarrow 4 also is advantageously configured to be quickly assembledduring initial assembly of the wheelbarrow 4 when new.

[0038] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the wheelbarrow 4 includes a framesubassembly 8, a wheel 12, a tray 16, and a pair of handles 20. Thewheel 12, the tray 16, and the handles 20 are mountable to the framesubassembly 8 in order to form the assembled wheelbarrow 4. The frameassembly 8 can be advantageously manufactured and delivered to aretailer or a customer in an assembled condition as is depictedgenerally in FIG. 3. In order to construct the wheelbarrow 4, the wheel12, the tray 16, and the handles 20 are mounted to the frame subassembly8. The frame subassembly 8, the wheel 12, the tray 16, and the handles20 can be sold together as a kit including appropriate fasteners (notshown) which can be easily and quickly assembled by the retailer or thecustomer since the frame subassembly 8 is delivered in an assembledcondition.

[0039] The frame subassembly 8 includes a frame 24, a support 28, anaxle apparatus 32, a pair of tray braces 36, and pair of risers 40. Theframe 24 serves as a central structure to which many of the componentsof the wheelbarrow 4 are attached. The support 28 is movable between anextended position, as is shown in FIG. 1, and a retracted position, asis shown in FIG. 3A. The support 28 is configured to retain thewheelbarrow 4 in a given position or orientation with respect to asurface 30 (FIG. 2) upon which the wheelbarrow 4 is disposed. As usedherein, the expression “surface” refers to a face of any type ofstructure, whether natural or artificial, and is not limited to planaror horizontal faces, and thus can include, for instance, a surface ofthe earth, a surface of a man-made structure such as a floor, and anyother type of face of a structure.

[0040] The axle apparatus 32 is disposed on the frame 24 and isconfigured to receive the wheel 12 thereon in order to mount the wheel12 to the frame 24. The tray braces 36 are pivotably mounted on the axleapparatus 32 and are configured to extend from the axle apparatus 32 tothe tray 16 in order to securely mount the tray 16 to the framesubassembly 8. The risers 40 are mounted on the frame 24 and areconfigured to orient the tray 16 at specific angles with respect to thesupport 28 and/or the horizontal when the support 28 is engaged with thesurface 30 and when the handles 20 are being carried by a user of thewheelbarrow 4, all in a known fashion.

[0041] As is best shown in FIG. 4, the frame 24 includes a pair ofcentral frame members 44, a pair of frontal frame members 48, and akicker 52 extending between the frontal frame members 48. The centralframe members 44 can be U-shaped channels of metal, such as steel,although other materials and configurations are possible withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention. The frontal framemembers 48 are substantially rigid and may be manufactured out of woodor other sufficiently rigid structure to which the axle apparatus 32 canbe attached. Alternatively, the central and frontal frame members 44 and48 and the handles 20 may be of tubular materials. The frontal framemembers 48 are at least partially received within the central framemembers 44, whereby the frontal frame members 48 are connected with thecentral frame members 44, although other attachment methodologies may beemployed. The kicker 52 contributes to the rigidity of the frame 24 andserves as a foot upon which the wheelbarrow 4 can be supported andpivoted when the contents of the tray 16 are being dumped out of thetray 16.

[0042] Each central frame member 44 includes a pair of forward ears 56and a pair of rearward ears 60, with the forward and rearward ears 56and 60 protruding in a generally downward direction (from theperspective of FIG. 2). The forward and rearward ears 56 and 60 may beformed out of a portion of the webs of the central frame members 44, orcould be formed as separate structures such as brackets that areattached to the central frame members 44. Such a configuration might beparticularly appropriate if the central and frontal frame members 44 and48 and the handles 20 were replaced with a pair of elongated membersthat form both the handles and part of the frame. The support 28 ismounted on the forward and rearward ears 56 and 60.

[0043] The support 28 includes a pair of legs 64 and a cross brace 68.The legs 64 are each substantially identical to one another. The legs 64are movable between an extended position (FIG. 1) and a retractedposition (FIG. 3A) and are engageable with the surface 30 (FIG. 2) toretain the wheelbarrow 4 in a given orientation or position with respectto the surface 30.

[0044] The cross brace 68 extends between the legs 64 and causes thelegs 64 to move simultaneously when the legs 64 are moving between theextended and retracted positions. One of the legs 64 is mounted on oneof the central frame members 44, and the other of the legs 64 is mountedon the other of the central frame members 44, although the legs 64 couldbe mounted to the frame 24 in other fashions. The cross brace 68contributes to the rigidity of the frame 24 by resisting relative motionbetween the legs 64.

[0045] As is best shown in FIG. 5, each leg 64 includes a first member72, a second member 76, a third member 80, a lock 84, and a shoe 88A or88B. The first, second, and third member 72, 76, and 80 are, in thedepicted embodiment, each generally U-shaped in cross section wherebyeach includes an interior channel defined generally between the threewebs of the U-shaped section. Since the legs 64 are substantiallyidentical, the specific details thereof will be described with respectto only one of the legs 64, it being understood that the same detailsare equally applicable to the other of the legs 64.

[0046] The first member 72 is pivotably mounted on the forward ears 56at a first pivot point 92. The first member 72 and a second member 76are pivotably connected with one another at a second pivot point 96which is at an opposite end of the first member 72 from the first pivotpoint 92. The second member 76 is pivotably connected with the thirdmember 80 at a third pivot point 100. The third member 80 is pivotablyconnected with the rearward ears 60 at a fourth pivot point 104.

[0047] The shoe 88A or 88B is fixedly mounted on an end of the secondmember 76 with a fastener 114, such as a bolt or other appropriatefastener. The shoes 88A and 88B of the two legs 64 are substantiallymirror images of one another and constitute substantially the onlydifference between the two legs 64.

[0048] The lock 84 is slidably disposed on the second member 76 and isformed with a pair of undercuts 116 (FIG. 5) that can accommodate theforward ears 56 therein when the leg 64 is in the retracted position, ascan be seen in FIG. 6. A portion of the second member 76 can be observedin FIG. 5 behind the undercut 116 thereof.

[0049] As can be seen from FIG. 5, the second member 76 can be stated asincluding a central portion 102 extending generally between the secondand third pivot points 96 and 100, a first protruding portion extendingfrom the second pivot 96 away from the central portion 102, and a secondprotruding portion 110 extending between the third pivot point 100 andthe shoe 88A or 88B. The lock 84 is slidably disposed on the secondprotruding portion 110. When the leg 64 is in the extended position, thefirst protruding portion 106 overlaps and engages the first member 72.When the shoe 88A or 88B is disposed against the surface 30, the firstprotruding portion 106 resists buckling of the leg 64 due to a heavyload carried in the tray 16. The first protruding portion 106 thusserves as a buttress against the first member 72 in order to enhance thestrength of the leg 64 when in the extended position to resist failureof the leg 64 due to a load carried in the tray 16.

[0050] The central frame member 44 and the first, second, and thirdmembers 72, 76, and 80 together work as a four-bar linkage for movementbetween the extended and retracted positions. As used herein, theexpression “four-bar linkage” shall refer generally to any type oflinkage that operates substantially within a plane and that includesfour links that are pivotably connected end-to-end in a closed loop. Inthis regard, therefore, various “links” may be defined generally betweenpivot points.

[0051] Accordingly, the first, second, and third members 72, 76, and 80pivot with respect to one another and with respect to the central framemember 44 when moving between the extended and retracted positions. Thefirst, second, third, and fourth pivot points 92, 96, 100, and 104accordingly can be configured with heavy connection structures such asrivets, bolts and nuts, pins, and the like to enhance the strength ofthe leg 64.

[0052] In moving the leg 64 from the extended to the retractedpositions, it can be understood that the first member 72 pivots in acounter-clockwise direction from the perspective of FIG. 5 and that thesecond and third members 76 and 80 pivot in a clockwise direction withrespect to FIG. 5. The tray 16 need not be detached from the structuresto which it is mounted.

[0053] When the leg 64 is in the retracted position, a portion of thefirst member 72 is received in the interior channel of the second member76, and a portion of the second member 76 is received in the interiorchannel of the third member 80. It is thus understood that the firstmember 72 is relatively narrower than the second member 76 which is, inturn, relatively narrower than the third member 80. In this regard, itcan be seen that the first member 72 is disposed between the forwardears 56 while the third member 80 is mounted to the faces of therearward ears 60 that face away from one another. Such variation in thewidths of the first, second, and third members 72, 76, and 80facilitates the collapsing of the leg 64 into itself when the leg 64 isin the retracted position.

[0054] In the retracted position, the third member 80 is the structurethat protrudes substantially the greatest distance from the centralframe member 44, and such protruding distance is extremely smallcompared with the size of the leg 64 in the extended position. This isdue, at least in part, to the ability of the first, second, and thirdmembers 72, 76, and 80 to be collapsed substantially within one anotherin the retracted position. It can be additionally be seen that the leg64 in the retracted position is disposed substantially flush with thecentral frame member 44 and is oriented substantially parallel with thecentral frame member 44. It is understood that the space in FIG. 6between the leg 64 and the central frame member 44 is greatlyexaggerated for purposes of clarity.

[0055] The lock 84 advantageously permits the leg 64 to be lockably andreleasably retained in the extended and retracted positions. The lock 84extends operatively between the second and third members 76 and 80,although it is understood that the lock 84 alternatively could extendoperatively between the first and second members 72 and 76 or betweenthe central frame member 44 and either of the first and third members 72and 80.

[0056] The lock 84 includes a shank 108, a pin 120 (FIGS. 8, 8A, and 9),a pair of first notches 128 and a pair of second notches 130 formed onthe third member 80, and a biasing device 134. The shank 108 is slidableon the second protruding portion 110 between an engaged position (FIG.8) and a disengaged position (FIG. 9). The pin 120 is disposed on theshank 108 and is received in a slot 112 formed in the second member 76.The sliding of the pin 120 in the slot 112 therefore defines themovement of the shank 108 between the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0057] The shank 108 includes a pair of tabs 124 at one end of the shank108, with the opposite end of the shank 108 being received in a channel(not shown) formed in the shoe 88A or 88B. The end of the shank 108 isreceived in the channel of the shoe 88A or 88B when the shank is in theengaged position, with the end of the shank 108 being even furtherreceived into the channel of the shoe 88A or 88B when the shank 108 isin the disengaged position (FIG. 9).

[0058] The tabs 124 are engaged in the first notches 128 when the shank108 is in the engaged position and the leg 64 is in the extendedposition (FIG. 8). The tabs 124 are engaged in the second notches 132when the shank 108 is in the engaged position and the leg 64 is in theretracted position (FIG. 10). It can be understood that when the tabs124 are engaged in the first notches 128 (FIG. 8) the leg 64 is lockedin the extended position. Similarly, when the tabs 124 are engaged inthe second notches 132 (FIG. 10) the leg 64 is locked in the retractedposition. The biasing device 134 (FIG. 8A) biases the shank 108 towardthe engaged position and is depicted schematically as a helical tensionspring extending between a first lip 178 on the lock 84 and a second lip186 formed on the second member 76, the spring extending through anaccess way 178 formed in the second member 76, although other biasingstructures and methodologies may be employed.

[0059] As can be understood from FIGS. 4 and 11, the axle apparatus 32includes an axle bracket 136 that is mounted on the frame 24 and an axle140 that is mounted on the axle bracket 136. The axle bracket 136includes a pair of end members 144 and a pair of spacers 148, with eachend member 144 including a generally cylindrical hub portion 152 and agenerally planar flange portion 156 connected with one another. Thespacers 148 are substantially cylindrical bodies that are formed with asubstantially cylindrical central bore 160 extending therethrough.

[0060] It can be seen from FIG. 11 that the tray braces 36 are eachformed with a mounting hole 164 at one end thereof. In assembling theaxle apparatus 32 and attaching it to the frame 24, a protruding portion174 of the hub portion 152 of one of the end members 144 is receivedthrough the mounting hole 164 of one of the tray braces 36. Theprotruding portion 174 of the hub portion 152 is then press fit into thecentral bore 160 of one of the spacers 148 which retains the tray brace36 interposed substantially between the spacer 148 and the flangeportion 156. The other end member 144 and spacer 148 are similarlyassembled with the other tray brace 36. The hub portions 152 are thenaligned with one another, and the flange portions 156 are mounted to thefrontal frame members 48 with appropriate fasteners such as screws orother fasteners. The axle 140 can be received in the openings 168defined in the hub portions 152.

[0061] The wheelbarrow 4 thus described includes a support 28 having apair of legs 64 that are movable between an extended position and aretracted position and are lockable in both such positions. The legs 64are each configured to function as four-bar linkages that arecollapsible upon themselves to occupy only a minimal region of spacewhen in the retracted position. It is understood that in otherembodiments (not shown) of the present invention, the various members ofthe legs may be of lengths having different proportions to one anotherand may pivot between the extended and retracted positions in differentrotational relationships with respect to one another than the exemplarywheelbarrow 4 depicted in the accompanying figures. It is furtherunderstood that it may be desirable in some embodiments (not shown) forone or more of the members of the legs to be detachable from oneanother.

[0062] The wheelbarrow 4 described above is also advantageouslyconfigured to be assembled relatively quickly. Specifically, the framesubassembly 8 can be manufactured and delivered to the retailer or thecustomer in an assembled condition. In order to assemble thewheelbarrow, the axle 140 is removed from the axle bracket 136, and thetray braces 36 are pivoted from their initial position substantiallyparallel with the frontal frame members 48 to a position substantiallyperpendicular to the frontal frame members 48. The wheel 12 is alignedwith the axle bracket 136 and the axle is received through the hubportions 152 and the wheel 12. The axle 140 may be retained in place bya cotter pin, C-clip or other structure attached to an end of the axle140. The handles 20 are mounted to the central frame members 44 byreceiving a portion of the handles 20 into the central opening of thecentral frame members 44 adjacent the portion of the frontal framemembers 48 received in the central frame members. The handles 20 can befastened to the central frame members 44 with appropriate fastenersand/or adhesives of known types.

[0063] The tray 16 is then mounted to the frame subassembly 8. The tray16 is disposed against the risers 40 and is mounted to the central framemembers 44 with the use of appropriate fasteners and/or adhesives.Additionally, the tray braces 36 are fastened to the tray 16 withappropriate fasteners. These assembly steps are all indicated generallyin FIG. 12.

[0064] Essentially, therefore, since the frame subassembly 8 can bedelivered in an assembled condition, the wheelbarrow 4 can be assembledby mounting the wheel 12, the tray 16, and the handles 20 to the framesubassembly 8. Such assembly is relatively simple and can beaccomplished relatively quickly by unskilled personnel.

[0065] While specific embodiments of the invention have been describedin detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications and alternatives to those details could bedeveloped in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure.Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the inventionwhich is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any andall equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible support for a device, the support being structured to retain the device in a given position with respect to a surface, the support comprising: a first member; a second member; a third member; and a lock extending between the second member and one of the first and third members; the support being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; the lock releasably retaining the support in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position; the second member being pivotably connected with and pivotable with respect to the first and third members; the second member being engageable with the surface to retain the device in the given position with respect to the surface when the support is in the extended position; the first and third members each being structured to be mounted on the device.
 2. The support as set forth in claim 1, in which the lock includes a tab and at least a first notch, the tab being removably receivable in the at least first notch, the tab being disposed on one of the second member and the one of the first and third members, the at least first notch being disposed on the other of the second member and the one of the first and third members.
 3. The support as set forth in claim 2, in which the lock includes a shank, one of the tab and the at least first notch being disposed on the shank, the shank being slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
 4. The support as set forth in claim 3, in which the shank is biased toward the engaged position.
 5. The support as set forth in claim 2, in which the lock includes a second notch, the tab being received in the at least first notch corresponding with the extended position of the support, the tab being received in the second notch corresponding with the retracted position of the support.
 6. The support as set forth in claim 1, in which the support is a leg, and in which the device is a wheelbarrow.
 7. A device structured to be disposed against a surface, the device comprising: a frame; a support mounted on the frame; the support including a first member, a second member, and a third member; the first and third members each being pivotably mounted on the frame; the second member being pivotably connected with and pivotable with respect to each of the first and third members; the support being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; the second member being engageable with the surface to retain the device in the given position with respect to the surface when the support is in the extended position.
 8. The device as set forth in claim 7, in which the first, second, and third members are oriented substantially parallel with at least a portion of the frame when the support is in the retracted position.
 9. The device as set forth in claim 7, in which the first, second, and third members are disposed generally flush with the frame when the support is in the retracted position.
 10. The device as set forth in claim 7, in which the support includes a lock, the lock releasably retaining the support in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 10, in which the lock includes a tab and at least a first notch, the tab being removably receivable in the at least first notch.
 12. The device as set forth in claim 11, in which the lock extends between the second member and one of the first and third members, the tab being disposed on one of the second member and the one of the first and third members, the at least first notch being disposed on the other of the second member and the one of the first and third members.
 13. The device as set forth in claim 11, in which the lock includes a shank, one of the tab and the at least first notch being disposed on the shank, the shank being slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
 14. The device as set forth in claim 13, in which the shank is biased toward the engaged position.
 15. The device as set forth in claim 11, in which the lock includes a second notch, the tab being received in the at least first notch corresponding with the extended position of the support, the tab being received in the second notch corresponding with the retracted position of the support.
 16. The device as set forth in claim 1, in which the support is a leg, and in which the device is a wheelbarrow.
 17. A wheelbarrow that can be disposed on a surface, the wheelbarrow comprising: a frame; at least a first wheel mounted on the frame; and a support; the support including at least a first leg mounted on the frame; the at least first leg including a first member, a second member, and a third member; the first and third members each being pivotably mounted on the frame; the second member being pivotably connected with and pivotable with respect to each of the first and third members; the at least first leg being movable between an extended position and a retracted position.
 18. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 17, in which the second member is engageable with the surface when the at least first leg is in the extended position.
 19. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 17, in which the first, second, and third members are oriented substantially parallel with at least a portion of the frame when the at least first leg is in the retracted position.
 20. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 17, in which the first, second, and third members are disposed generally flush with the frame when the at least first leg is in the retracted position.
 21. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 17, in which the at least first leg includes a lock, the lock releasably retaining the at least first leg in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 22. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 21, in which the lock includes a tab and at least a first notch, the tab being removably receivable in the at least first notch.
 23. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 22, in which the lock extends between the second member and one of the first and third members, the tab being disposed on one of the second member and the one of the first and third members, the at least first notch being disposed on the other of the second member and the one of the first and third members.
 24. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 22, in which the lock includes a shank, one of the tab and the at least first notch being disposed on the shank, the shank being slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
 25. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 24, in which the shank is biased toward the engaged position.
 26. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 22, in which the lock includes a second notch, the tab being received in the at least first notch corresponding with the extended position of the at least first leg, the tab being received in the second notch corresponding with the retracted position of the at least first leg.
 27. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 17, in which the support includes a second leg mounted on the frame.
 28. A wheelbarrow that can be disposed on a surface, the wheelbarrow comprising: a frame; at least a first wheel mounted on the frame; and at least a first leg mounted on the frame; the at least first leg being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and the at least first leg cooperating with the frame to function as a four-bar linkage.
 29. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 28, in which the at least first leg includes a first member, a second member, and a third member; the first and third members each being pivotably mounted on the frame; the second member being pivotably connected with and pivotable with respect to each of the first and third members; the second member being engageable with the surface when the at least first leg is in the extended position.
 30. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 29, in which the first, second, and third members are oriented substantially parallel with at least a portion of the frame when the at least first leg is in the retracted position.
 31. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 28, in which the at least first leg includes a first member, a second member, and a third member; the first and third members each being pivotably mounted on the frame; the second member being pivotably connected with and pivotable with respect to each of the first and third members; the at least first leg including a lock, the lock releasably retaining the at least first leg in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 32. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 31, in which the lock includes a tab and at least a first notch, the tab being removably receivable in the at least first notch.
 33. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 32, in which the lock extends between the second member and one of the first and third members, the tab being disposed on one of the second member and the one of the first and third members, the at least first notch being disposed on the other of the second member and the one of the first and third members.
 34. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 32, in which the lock includes a shank, one of the tab and the at least first notch being disposed on the shank, the shank being slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
 35. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 34, in which the shank is biased toward the engaged position.
 36. The wheelbarrow as set forth in claim 32, in which the lock includes a second notch, the tab being received in the at least first notch corresponding with the extended position of the at least first leg, the tab being received in the second notch corresponding with the retracted position of the at least first leg.
 37. A kit from which a wheelbarrow can be assembled, the kit comprising: a frame subassembly; the frame subassembly including a frame, an axle apparatus, at least a first leg, and at least a first tray brace connected together as an assembled unit, the at least first tray brace being pivotable with respect to the frame; a wheel mountable to the frame subassembly; a tray mountable to the frame subassembly; and at least a first handle mountable to the frame subassembly.
 38. The kit as set forth in claim 37, in which the tray is mountable to the frame and to the at least first tray brace.
 39. The kit as set forth in claim 38, in which the at least first handle is mountable to the frame.
 40. A method of assembling a wheelbarrow from a kit, the method comprising: mounting a tray to a frame subassembly; mounting a wheel to the frame subassembly; and mounting a handle to the frame subassembly.
 41. The method as set forth in claim 40, in which the step of mounting a tray to a frame subassembly includes the step of mounting the tray to a tray brace.
 42. The method as set forth in claim 41, in which the step of mounting the tray to a tray brace includes the step of pivoting the tray brace into alignment with the tray.
 43. The method as set forth in claim 40, in which the step of mounting a wheel to the frame subassembly includes the steps of aligning the wheel with an axle bracket and receiving an axle through the wheel and through the axle bracket.
 44. The method as set forth in claim 43, in which the step of mounting a wheel to the frame subassembly further includes the step of removing an axle from the axle bracket. 